For 364 secondary school students in Lagos, the long holiday break became more than a period away from the classroom. It turned into an opportunity for learning, mentorship, competition and rewards.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 52, Garden of Peace Parish, has invested about ₦6 million in a community-focused education initiative that combined free lessons, mentorship sessions, academic competitions and cash awards for students drawn from different backgrounds.
The five-week programme, which ran from August 3 to September 4, brought together students from both the church and the wider community, regardless of their religious affiliation. What started with about 150 participants eventually grew to 364 students, reflecting strong interest from families seeking productive and educational activities during the holiday period.
At the presentation ceremony held at the church’s regional headquarters in Surulere, Lagos, the Pastor in Charge of Zone and Deputy Regional Pastor of RCCG Region 52, Pastor Femi Banire, said the initiative was designed to extend the church’s impact beyond its congregation and contribute positively to society.
According to him, the programme ensured that students remained engaged during the holiday while also creating opportunities for families to benefit from the church’s outreach efforts.
Beyond classroom lessons, participants received career guidance, mentorship and counselling from professionals, university representatives and industry experts. Parents were also involved in parts of the programme to help reinforce the lessons and values shared with the students.
Chairman of the parish’s Corporate Social Responsibility Department, Dr. Joseph Otuagoma, said the project was established to demonstrate practical love and service to the community through education.
The programme included academic awards, school bags and cash prizes for outstanding students. About ₦900,000 was set aside for cash awards across different categories, while additional prizes were donated by members of the church.
Students who excelled in a computer-based competition also received prizes of $50, $30 and $20 respectively.
Church leaders described the initiative as part of the parish’s broader commitment to community development, alongside previous interventions such as environmental sanitation exercises and medical outreach programmes.
Banire urged Nigerians with the means to support others to invest more in initiatives that improve lives, stressing that true success should be measured by the positive impact people make on society.
For beneficiaries like SS3 student Otitodilichukwu Ndubueze, who emerged as the overall best student in his category, the programme offered more than financial rewards. He said the recognition had boosted his confidence and strengthened his determination to plan for the future
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